North Berwick schools to celebrate 10 years of helping needy

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — On the 100th day of the school year, North Berwick elementary schools will be hosting their 10th year celebration of donating food to the New Covenant Food Pantry.

The celebration falls on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Primary School at 25 Varney Road from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Kindergarten through fifth grade at the elementary schools have been striving to raise awareness in making a difference in their community. Last year, North Berwick Elementary helped raise more than 2,000 donations, from food to toiletries. In the 10 years the two elementary schools in North Berwick have raised about 25,000 to 30,000 donations. Classrooms have been assigned certain nonperishable items to acquire; one classroom gathers soup, another one does cereal and so forth. Co-directors of the yearly event are Principal Ron Robert and kindergarten teacher Sharon Beckwith. Robert started a similar program 15 year ago at a previous school and brought it to the North Berwick Elementary shortly after.

“This is a signature event for us,” Robert said recently.

Children have been writing in their journals about the anticipated celebration, noting the difference they have been making in their community.

“We try to keep a balance of the celebration, one that brings local importance,” said Robert.

The North Berwick Police Department have contributed their fair share as well, and have been asked to round up 100 cans of soup for this year’s donations.

The Police Department has also welcomed a new member of their team, a K-9. In honor of the K-9 unit, 100 cans of dog food for the community will also be a donated item. In a short amount of time before the event, classrooms will hustle down to the gym with excitement to build a creative display of their assigned items. Previous years have brought a leaning tower of spaghetti and a soap-designed bathtub. Food is properly separated before the donations are given — a huge help to the pantry.

“This is an emotionally celebratory event. It’s hard not to get choked up when you see children give back,” said Robert.

To get involved, including donating funds or food, contact Rebecca Manning, at 207-209-5497 or Rebecca.Manning@msad60.org.